Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler

Hugo M Scaler - FPGA Digital Upscaling Processor

Hugo M Scaler from Chord Electronics is a dedicated FPGA-based upscaler designed to improve time-domain precision in digital audio before D/A conversion. The unit uses Rob Watts’ WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filter with over 1 million taps and can upsample standard 44.1 kHz signals to as much as 705.6 kHz (or 768 kHz from 96 kHz input) via dual-BNC output. The purpose is to reconstruct transient information far more accurately than traditional DAC filters and thereby reduce timing errors in the digital signal.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 1M-tap FPGA WTA digital filter
• Upsampling up to 705.6 kHz / 768 kHz
• Dual-BNC output for compatible DACs
• FPGA architecture with extreme computing power
• USB, optical, and coaxial input
• Video mode with reduced latency
• Stackable TT form factor

WTA FILTER WITH 1 MILLION TAPS

At the core of Hugo M Scaler is an FPGA-based filter with over 1 million taps, which is significantly higher than conventional DAC filters. The long tap length enables much more accurate reconstruction of transients and timing information in the digital signal.

The WTA algorithm is designed to minimize time errors rather than simply frequency response, addressing one of the primary limitations of standard digital audio.

HIGH-RESOLUTION UPSAMPLING

The unit upsamples 44.1 kHz signals up to 705.6 kHz (16x) and 96 kHz signals up to 768 kHz. This takes place before the signal is sent to the DAC, reducing the need for interpolation in the DAC itself.

When using compatible DACs with dual-BNC input, such as Qutest, Hugo TT 2, or DAVE, the full output can be utilized.

FPGA ARCHITECTURE

Hugo M Scaler uses an FPGA platform instead of standard DSP. This provides much greater computing power and the ability to implement complex filters that are not practically possible in traditional chips.

The FPGA operates in real time and performs advanced interpolation without introducing significant jitter or phase errors.

SYSTEM INTEGRATION

The unit is optimized for use with Chord DACs via dual-BNC, but can also be used with other DACs via standard digital outputs depending on their input capacity.

It functions as a separate digital preprocessing stage in the signal path and is placed between the digital source and DAC.

LATENCY AND VIDEO MODE

Hugo M Scaler offers a “video mode” that reduces latency by shortening the filter length. This makes the unit suitable for AV setups where synchronization between picture and sound is critical.

CONSTRUCTION AND INTERFACE

The unit is designed in Chord’s TT form factor and can be stacked with other products in the series. Operation is handled via front-mounted control spheres that visually indicate input selection and sample rate.

The construction is compact and intended for desktop or rack integration in high-end digital systems.

POSITIONING

Hugo M Scaler is developed for high-end digital players where maximum time-domain precision and signal reconstruction are prioritized before D/A conversion. It functions as a specialized signal-processing stage that expands the potential of compatible DACs.

A technically advanced upscaler focused on transient precision, high sampling rate, and FPGA-based signal processing.